GUARDING YOUR MOUTH

Good morning my brothers and sisters and to God be all the honour and glory. We praise the Lord for bringing us thus far. Our faith rest in You Lord God who reins with the Father. Peace and grace be unto you.

Our reading is taken from the Book of Proverbs 18:5-8

5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
6 A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

Verse 5 – It is wrong to show partiality to the wicked for any reason, but especially if it deprives the innocent from receiving justice. As God’s children, we are not to allow money or position to influence us when making judgments. Our heavenly Father treats everyone fairly and expects us to do likewise. Kind-hearted people are just as apt to show partiality for the underprivileged as others are apt to be impressed by a person’s wealth, fame, or profession. Though often exploited, the poor are not always innocent. A rich man is not always wrong and a poor man is not always right. A person should be esteemed according to his character, which is revealed by his words and actions; not by his income, profession, education, race, creed, etc. “You shall do no injustice in judging a case; you shall not be partial to the poor or show a preference for the mighty, but in righteousness and according to the merits of the case judge your neighbor” (Leviticus 19:15). “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?” (James 2:1-4).

God, Himself, is not a respecter of persons. He loves everyone equally. No one person is loved more than another. However, there is one thing that God is a respecter of – that is His Word. If we practice and keep His Word, He will honour us because of it. Therefore, anyone who keeps the Word of God will be respected by God.

Verses 6-7 – Self-confident fools are often unaware and uncaring of how their words affect others. They perceive themselves as right and air their opinions freely, with no respect to anyone’s feelings but their own. Because they do not restrain themselves from saying arrogant or hurtful things, their own words bring them to ruin. Their own lips are a trap set to catch them, always ready to get them into trouble with other people.

Verse 8 – A talebearer’s words are like “dainty goodies” to those who enjoy gossip. The listener gobbles them up. Just as ingested food becomes part of one’s body, ingested gossip becomes part of one’s thoughts and opinions. Words which are dainty morsels to gossipers are blows to the soul of their victim. Gossip can destroy a person’s reputation, career, or business. Without the Lord’s help, such injuries are hard to overcome. We all need to guard our mouths. Unkind, sinful words can truly damage and wound others.

Let us pray

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for Your love today. I am grateful that You are no respecter of persons. Help me to be like you and not show partiality to any one. Let me be loving and kind to all. Lord, help me to guard my mouth so that I do not speak unadvisedly. Help me to be a peace maker. Father, I yield to You and ask that You help me not to fall into the trap of gossiping about others. May I bring healing to others and not wounds by any unkind words. Forgive my sins today and fill me with Your love. I ask this in the Name of Jesus. Amen.